Photos: Woodworking
Georgian College students show off their work at student exhibit.
The pieces displayed in Georgian College’s seventh annual Student Cabinetmaking Exhibit were as unique as the students themselves.
The Cabinetmaking Techniques students displayed their work this week at the ABSC Event Space in the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre at the Barrie Campus. The grand opening celebration was held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 6, and the exhibit continued from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Cole Churchward displayed his red oak nightstand and Queen Anne footstool. After years of working as a chef, he discovered a passion for woodworking.
“I’d started buying and selling mid-century modern furniture and had to learn a few quick skills in order to fix some things,” says Cole. “This quickly led to a desire to learn how these beautiful pieces of furniture were made.”
Cole says one of the key things he’s learned in the program is to slow down and take your time to set things up the right way.
“You get burned pretty quickly when you’re moving too fast,” he said. “This program has really taught me the value of that.”
After graduating Cole plans to get a job in the cabinetmaking field while slowly building up his stable of tools so he can open his own shop one day.
Cole had the opportunity to showcase his cabinetmaking skills at the recent Ontario Skills competition. He came home with a bronze medal – which he keeps in his toolbox.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Cole. “It was so valuable to see how I stacked up against other cabinetmaking students in Ontario and it was also very humbling. I learned that I have a long way to go, but I’m definitely headed in the right direction.”
Cole adds that his instructors have been very supportive.
“They’ve helped me and other students work through any problems we’ve had and are ultimately doing whatever it takes for us to be successful. It’s a very different experience than I had at university.”
“The exhibit is a highlight of the program for me,” says Professor Lynn Mackinlay. “It’s very gratifying to watch students hone their craft throughout the year and be able to proudly display their work for everyone to see.
“It’s also an opportunity for visitors to check out the program at the same time. We still have a few spots available for September.”
Professor Lynn Mackinlay welcomes visitors during the opening ceremony for the student exhibit.
